Baseball stadiums are some of the most classic sports venues still in use. Considering that the game of baseball was once a nations past-time these stadiums are filled with such immense history. Stadiums such as Wrigley Field and Fenway Park are some of the oldest stadiums still in use today. They're structure is quite different than the square shaped fields and buildings we see for football, soccer, and even basketball. Instead these stadiums are built to incorporate the distinctive baseball diamond shape. As a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and the game of baseball I have actually been to quite a few Major League stadiums, and still have a few I want to visit sometime in my life. One of my favorite standards for a great baseball park is the general view. So here is the list of my top ten favorite and most iconic baseball stadiums.
My Top Ten Favorite Baseball Stadiums
10. Coors Field
Location: Denver, Colorado
Tenants: Colorado Rockies
Year Constructed: 1992
Capacity: 50,398
Architect: HOK Sport
Significance: It's one of the newest franchises I'll have on this list, since I myself prefer the old school baseball teams, however I've actually been to this one and can say it was quite the experience. The stadium opened in 1992 with the start of the Rockies franchise, and I went with my family on our visit to Denver, CO. I remember the most striking part about the stadium is the rare view of the mountains surrounding the ballpark and the skyline of downtown Denver.
9. Kauffman Stadium
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Tenants: Kansas City Royals
Year Constructed: 1973
Capacity: 37,903
Architect: Kivett and Myers
Significance: It is the sixth oldest stadium in the MLB and yet it is still one of the most modern as a specifically baseball stadium. It is also one of the few stadiums that are named after a person and not a corporation. It is named after Ewing Kauffman the founder of the Kansas City Royals. Since their inception in 1969, the Royals have brought their fans two World Series championships to be witnessed at Kauffman Stadium. I have seen these stadium once from the outside on a visit to see my cousin a few years ago.
8. Yankee Stadium
Location: New York City, New York
Tenants: New York Yankees
Year Constructed: 2009
Capacity: 49,638
Architect: Populous (HOK)
Nicknames: The House that George Built, The House that Jeter Built
Significance: It is actually the second stadium named Yankee Stadium, built as an exact replica of the legendary house that Babe Ruth built. The greatest appeal of this stadium is simply that it is home to the most successful baseball team in history. However it doesn't quite have the same old school feel that it's predecessor did. I was fortunate enough to experience a game at the 1st Yankee Stadium in 2005 with my family before it was torn down and replaced. On it's opening season, the new stadium saw the Yankees win their 27th championship lead by the great Derek Jeter.
7. Dodger Stadium
Location: Los Angeles, California
Tenants: Los Angeles Dodgers
Year Constructed: 1959
Capacity: 56,000
Architect: Praeger-Kavanagh-Waterbury
Nicknames: Chavez-Ravine, Blue Heaven on Earth
Significance: It is the 3rd oldest baseball stadium still in use home to the historic Los Angeles Dodgers. It;s greatest flaw is that the stadium has it's back turned on the skyline, unlike most others in this list which use the skyline as a backdrop. Nonetheless there are mountains, palm trees, and Californian weather to make up for that. Since the Dodgers moved to this ballpark from Brooklyn, they have added four more World Series titles to their franchise.
6. Camden Yards
Location: Baltimore, MD
Tenants: Baltimore Orioles
Year Constructed: 1992
Capacity: 48,876
Architect: Populous
Nicknames: The House that Cal Built, Birdland, The Yard
Significance: It is a modern day retro stadium with it's iconic B&O warehouse included as a part of the stadium in right field. It also has an incredible view of downtown Baltimore. The house is best known for it's superstar shortstop Cal Ripken, who broke the record in 1995 for the most consecutive games played. The Baltimore Orioles have won 3 world series, yet none since they moved from Memorial Stadium to Camden Yards in 1992. I have yet to see this stadium nor the city of Baltimore however it's my understanding that it is a true gem of the MLB.
5. Busch Stadium
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Tenants: St. Louis, Cardinals
Year Constructed: 2006
Capacity: 43,975
Architect: Populous (HOK)
Significance: It is the 3rd version of Busch Stadium home of one of baseball's most successful teams, the St. Louis Cardinals. It is located at the heart of the city and has an incredible view of the skyline and the iconic Gateway Arch. Upon it's opening in 2006 the Cardinals treated their fans to their 10th franchise World Series. Five years in later they would bring home their 11th world series title. The stadium is iconic mostly because of the team that inhabits it, as well as the great view it provides. I have driven past this stadium once and can say that besides the scenic Arch it is probably the best thing that St. Louis has going for it.
4. PNC Park
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Tenants: Pittsburgh Pirates
Year Constructed: 2001
Capacity: 37,898
Architect: Populous (HOK)
Significance: This home of the historic Pittsburgh Pirates offers arguably one of the best downtown views in the Major Leagues. Beyond the outfield walls lies an impeccable view of the Allegheny River, the yellow Roberto Clemente Bridge, and the skyline of downtown Pittsburgh. Add to this an incredible atmosphere with a passionate fanbase makes this ballpark one of the best in the nation. The Pirates have 5 World Series titles however have not won it all since 1979. This stadium is definitely on my bucket list to experience.
3. AT&T Park
Location: San Francisco, CATenants: San Francisco Giants
Year Constructed: 2000
Capacity: 41,915
Architect: Populous (HOK)
Significance: It is one of the most modern, breathtaking stadiums in the major leagues. It offers a magnificent view of the San Francisco Bay as well as the skyline from the 1st base upper deck side. I was very fortunate to catch a game here in 2008 with my cousin in the 4th row of the lower deck. Coincidentally enough the Giants were playing the Cubs that day. It was an incredible heavenly experience much thanks to the view. Since it's construction the Giants have added three more World Series championships to their historic legacy.
2. Wrigley Field
Location: Chicago, IL
Tenants: Chicago Cubs
Year Constructed: 1914
Capacity: 41,268
Architect: Zachary Taylor Davis
Nicknames: The Friendly Confines
Significance: It is the 2nd oldest Major League ballpark still in use, and home to one of my all time favorite sports teams. I've actually been to this stadium at least over 10 times and often say the experience is like heaven on earth. Some of it's most iconic features are it's green ivy wall, it's scoreboard, it's red marquee sign, and the rooftops in outfield. It is also loaded with famous folklore such as Babe Ruth pointing his shot and the Billy Goat curse. The stadium is actually located in a neighborhood rather than a downtown city. The people there are all extremely friendly and perhaps inspired by the summer wind coming off of Lake Michigan, or maybe it's just the rich history that is located within the stadium. For over 100 years it has been a history of losing, and yet the fanbase has remained more loyal than ever thanks to it's positive Wrigley environment. Well just last year the Chicago Cubs fanbase were finally able to taste glory and bring a long overdue trophy back to Wrigley. This stadium is the heart of Chicago and one of the most iconic franchises in sports.
1. Fenway Park
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Tenants: Boston Red Sox
Year Constructed: 1912
Capacity: 37,497
Architect: James McLaughlin
Nicknames: America's Most Beloved Park, The Cathedral
Significance: It is the oldest Major League ballpark still in use, and along with Wrigley Field it is the most historic and iconic. I chose this stadium as number 1 over Wrigley only because it has been home to more legendary players, including the great Babe Ruth. Some of it's most iconic features include the Green Monster wall, Pesky's Foul Pole, and the Lone Red Seat which marks the longest ever home run hit at Fenway Park by Ted Williams. Just like Wrigley Field, the stadium has its high share of legendary folklore, most notably the Curse of the Bambino, which saw the Red Sox go on a nearly 90 year drought without a championship. However in 2004 the Red Sox returned to glory when they finally brought an end to the drought to win the series. Few years later they won two more championships and thus had furthered their legacy. I have only seen this stadium from a far yet it is most definitely on my bucket list. Fenway represents not only one of the most iconic franchises in the world yet also a nation's most beloved past time.
My Top Ten Favorite Baseball Stadiums
10. Coors Field
Location: Denver, ColoradoTenants: Colorado Rockies
Year Constructed: 1992
Capacity: 50,398
Architect: HOK Sport
Significance: It's one of the newest franchises I'll have on this list, since I myself prefer the old school baseball teams, however I've actually been to this one and can say it was quite the experience. The stadium opened in 1992 with the start of the Rockies franchise, and I went with my family on our visit to Denver, CO. I remember the most striking part about the stadium is the rare view of the mountains surrounding the ballpark and the skyline of downtown Denver.
9. Kauffman Stadium
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Tenants: Kansas City Royals
Year Constructed: 1973
Capacity: 37,903
Architect: Kivett and Myers
Significance: It is the sixth oldest stadium in the MLB and yet it is still one of the most modern as a specifically baseball stadium. It is also one of the few stadiums that are named after a person and not a corporation. It is named after Ewing Kauffman the founder of the Kansas City Royals. Since their inception in 1969, the Royals have brought their fans two World Series championships to be witnessed at Kauffman Stadium. I have seen these stadium once from the outside on a visit to see my cousin a few years ago.
8. Yankee Stadium
Location: New York City, New YorkTenants: New York Yankees
Year Constructed: 2009
Capacity: 49,638
Architect: Populous (HOK)
Nicknames: The House that George Built, The House that Jeter Built
Significance: It is actually the second stadium named Yankee Stadium, built as an exact replica of the legendary house that Babe Ruth built. The greatest appeal of this stadium is simply that it is home to the most successful baseball team in history. However it doesn't quite have the same old school feel that it's predecessor did. I was fortunate enough to experience a game at the 1st Yankee Stadium in 2005 with my family before it was torn down and replaced. On it's opening season, the new stadium saw the Yankees win their 27th championship lead by the great Derek Jeter.
7. Dodger Stadium
Location: Los Angeles, California
Year Constructed: 1959
Capacity: 56,000
Architect: Praeger-Kavanagh-Waterbury
Nicknames: Chavez-Ravine, Blue Heaven on Earth
Significance: It is the 3rd oldest baseball stadium still in use home to the historic Los Angeles Dodgers. It;s greatest flaw is that the stadium has it's back turned on the skyline, unlike most others in this list which use the skyline as a backdrop. Nonetheless there are mountains, palm trees, and Californian weather to make up for that. Since the Dodgers moved to this ballpark from Brooklyn, they have added four more World Series titles to their franchise.
6. Camden Yards
Location: Baltimore, MD
Tenants: Baltimore Orioles
Year Constructed: 1992
Capacity: 48,876
Architect: Populous
Nicknames: The House that Cal Built, Birdland, The Yard
Significance: It is a modern day retro stadium with it's iconic B&O warehouse included as a part of the stadium in right field. It also has an incredible view of downtown Baltimore. The house is best known for it's superstar shortstop Cal Ripken, who broke the record in 1995 for the most consecutive games played. The Baltimore Orioles have won 3 world series, yet none since they moved from Memorial Stadium to Camden Yards in 1992. I have yet to see this stadium nor the city of Baltimore however it's my understanding that it is a true gem of the MLB.
5. Busch Stadium
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Tenants: St. Louis, Cardinals
Year Constructed: 2006
Capacity: 43,975
Architect: Populous (HOK)
Significance: It is the 3rd version of Busch Stadium home of one of baseball's most successful teams, the St. Louis Cardinals. It is located at the heart of the city and has an incredible view of the skyline and the iconic Gateway Arch. Upon it's opening in 2006 the Cardinals treated their fans to their 10th franchise World Series. Five years in later they would bring home their 11th world series title. The stadium is iconic mostly because of the team that inhabits it, as well as the great view it provides. I have driven past this stadium once and can say that besides the scenic Arch it is probably the best thing that St. Louis has going for it.
4. PNC Park
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Tenants: Pittsburgh Pirates
Year Constructed: 2001
Capacity: 37,898
Architect: Populous (HOK)
Significance: This home of the historic Pittsburgh Pirates offers arguably one of the best downtown views in the Major Leagues. Beyond the outfield walls lies an impeccable view of the Allegheny River, the yellow Roberto Clemente Bridge, and the skyline of downtown Pittsburgh. Add to this an incredible atmosphere with a passionate fanbase makes this ballpark one of the best in the nation. The Pirates have 5 World Series titles however have not won it all since 1979. This stadium is definitely on my bucket list to experience.
3. AT&T Park
Location: San Francisco, CATenants: San Francisco Giants
Year Constructed: 2000
Capacity: 41,915
Architect: Populous (HOK)
Significance: It is one of the most modern, breathtaking stadiums in the major leagues. It offers a magnificent view of the San Francisco Bay as well as the skyline from the 1st base upper deck side. I was very fortunate to catch a game here in 2008 with my cousin in the 4th row of the lower deck. Coincidentally enough the Giants were playing the Cubs that day. It was an incredible heavenly experience much thanks to the view. Since it's construction the Giants have added three more World Series championships to their historic legacy.
2. Wrigley Field
Location: Chicago, IL
Tenants: Chicago CubsYear Constructed: 1914
Capacity: 41,268
Architect: Zachary Taylor Davis
Nicknames: The Friendly Confines
Significance: It is the 2nd oldest Major League ballpark still in use, and home to one of my all time favorite sports teams. I've actually been to this stadium at least over 10 times and often say the experience is like heaven on earth. Some of it's most iconic features are it's green ivy wall, it's scoreboard, it's red marquee sign, and the rooftops in outfield. It is also loaded with famous folklore such as Babe Ruth pointing his shot and the Billy Goat curse. The stadium is actually located in a neighborhood rather than a downtown city. The people there are all extremely friendly and perhaps inspired by the summer wind coming off of Lake Michigan, or maybe it's just the rich history that is located within the stadium. For over 100 years it has been a history of losing, and yet the fanbase has remained more loyal than ever thanks to it's positive Wrigley environment. Well just last year the Chicago Cubs fanbase were finally able to taste glory and bring a long overdue trophy back to Wrigley. This stadium is the heart of Chicago and one of the most iconic franchises in sports.
1. Fenway Park
Location: Boston, MassachusettsTenants: Boston Red Sox
Year Constructed: 1912
Capacity: 37,497
Architect: James McLaughlin
Nicknames: America's Most Beloved Park, The Cathedral
Significance: It is the oldest Major League ballpark still in use, and along with Wrigley Field it is the most historic and iconic. I chose this stadium as number 1 over Wrigley only because it has been home to more legendary players, including the great Babe Ruth. Some of it's most iconic features include the Green Monster wall, Pesky's Foul Pole, and the Lone Red Seat which marks the longest ever home run hit at Fenway Park by Ted Williams. Just like Wrigley Field, the stadium has its high share of legendary folklore, most notably the Curse of the Bambino, which saw the Red Sox go on a nearly 90 year drought without a championship. However in 2004 the Red Sox returned to glory when they finally brought an end to the drought to win the series. Few years later they won two more championships and thus had furthered their legacy. I have only seen this stadium from a far yet it is most definitely on my bucket list. Fenway represents not only one of the most iconic franchises in the world yet also a nation's most beloved past time.
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